The Fiat Pandina: The Most Advanced and Safest Panda Ever

Fiat Pandina is the name of the latest special edition of the Fiat Panda, the iconic city car that has ruled the European market for over four decades. The Pandina is a cosmetic upgrade and a technological leap that makes it the most advanced and safest Panda ever. It also celebrates the love of the people for this model, which will continue to be produced in Italy until at least 2027. In this article, we will look closer at the features, specs, and prices of the Fiat Pandina and compare it with some of its main competitors in the segment.

What is the Fiat Pandina?

The Fiat Pandina is a unique series based on the Cross trim level of the current Panda, which has a rugged off-road look. Pandina is the nickname the Italian customers have always given to the Panda, showing their affection and familiarity with this car. The Pandina was unveiled on February 29, 2024, when the first Panda was presented to the President of the Italian Republic in 1980.

The Pandina is distinguished by specific details on the bodywork, such as the 'Pandina' lettering on the black covers on the lower part of the doors and the rear side windows and the Panda snout on the alloy wheel trims. It also offers new body colors, such as Mint Green, Coral Red, and Sky Blue. The dimensions and the general appearance of the Pandina are identical to the current Panda, which measures 3.69 meters long, 1.66 meters wide, 1.55 meters high, and has a 2.3-meter wheelbase.

What are the main features of the Fiat Pandina?

The Fiat Pandina is the most technological and safest Panda ever, thanks to new features available as standard or as an option on this particular series. Some of the main features are:

A 7-inch digital instrument panel with various graphics replaces analog gauges and provides information on speed, fuel level, trip computer, and driver assistance systems.
A 7-inch central screen for the infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has a wireless charging pad, a DAB radio, and a six-speaker sound system. The screen also has four touch-sensitive buttons on the sides to quickly access the main menu items.
A new steering wheel with a design similar to that of the Tipo has physical buttons on the spokes to control the instrument and infotainment screens, as well as the driver assistance systems.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, driver fatigue detection, traffic sign recognition, and cruise control. The Pandina also has an automatic high beam, six airbags, and rear parking sensors.
A mild hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 70 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 12-volt belt-driven starter generator (BSG) and a six-speed manual transmission. The BSG recovers energy during braking and coasting and assists the engine during acceleration, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The Pandina has a front-wheel-drive system and can reach a top speed of 102 mph and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 14.7 seconds. The fuel economy is rated at 53 mpg in the combined cycle, and the CO2 emissions are 88 g/km.

How much does the Fiat Pandina cost?

The Fiat Pandina will be available in Europe this summer, starting at around $24,000. This makes it one of the most expensive versions of the Panda but also one of the most complete and attractive. The Pandina will also benefit from the incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles available in many European countries, making them more affordable and convenient for customers.

How does the Fiat Pandina compare with its competitors?

The Fiat Pandina faces tough competition in the city car segment, dominated by models such as the Hyundai i10 and the 2024 Kia Picanto. These cars offer similar dimensions, performance, and technology but also have some differences that may appeal to different types of customers. Here is a comparison table that summarizes some of the main features and specs of these cars:

Feature	Fiat Pandina	Hyundai i10	Kia Picanto
Length (m)	3.69	3.67	3.6
Width (m)	1.66	1.68	1.6
Height (m)	1.55	1.48	1.49
Wheelbase (m)	2.3	2.43	2.4
Engine	1.0L 3-cyl mild hybrid	1.0L 3-cyl turbo	1.0L 3-cyl turbo
Power (hp)	70	100	100
Torque (lb-ft)	68	127	127
Transmission	6-speed manual	5-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch	5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Top speed (mph)	102	109	112
0-62 mph (s)	14.7	10.5	10.4
Fuel economy (mpg)	53	50	49
CO2 emissions (g/km)	88	102	104
Price ($)	24,000	18,000	17,000

As we can see, the Fiat Pandina is the group's most extended, tallest, and most expensive car, but also the most economical and eco-friendly, thanks to its mild hybrid system. It also has the most advanced infotainment and safety features, which may justify its higher price tag. The Hyundai i10 and the Kia Picanto are very similar in size, performance, and technology, and they offer more power and torque than the Pandina, as well as the option of an automatic transmission. However, they are also less efficient and more polluting and have a more conventional design and interior.

The Fiat Pandina is a special edition of the Panda that celebrates the people's love for this model, which has been a market leader in Europe for over 40 years.

The 2024 Fiat Pandina is the most technological and safest Fiat Panda ever, with a digital instrument panel, a central screen, a new steering wheel, and a range of driver assistance systems. It also has a mild hybrid powertrain that reduces fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining a decent performance and a fun driving experience. The Pandina is a complete and attractive city car that wants to stand out from the crowd, but it also faces some tough competition from other models that offer similar or better features and specs for a lower price. The Pandina may appeal to those looking for a car that combines tradition and innovation, personality and functionality, and who are willing to pay a premium. @via Car Division and Fiat.